Autism, Eating Disorders and Sensory Processing Kim Clairy

EPISODE 77
Autism, Eating Disorders and Sensory Processing:
A Discussion with Kim Clairy, Autistic OT

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Show Notes

Kim Clairy is an autistic occupational therapist who brings a variety of perspectives in educating others about autism, eating disorders, and sensory processing conditions. Initially diagnosed with a severe eating disorder, she faced a healthcare system that was ill-prepared to understand the complexities of her conditions, and that prescribed treatments that were not only not helpful, but in some ways, damaging. With the support of her husband, and a passion to be self-educated, she has emerged as a powerful voice and advocate for supporting others with complex conditions co-occurring with their autism. Kim shares details of her journey and provides helpful guidance for families and their autistic family members.

Visit Kim Clairy’s Website

 

Links of Interest and Resources

PEACE Pathway for Eating disorders and Autism

Accesible Chef

Model Ziggurat

Kelly Mahler’s Website

Featuring

Kim Clairy

KIM CLAIRY

Kim is an autistic occupational therapist, international speaker, consultant, author, and self-advocate. Diagnosed with autism as an adult, Kim broke through many barriers as she defied a healthcare system that said, “your autism is severe; you need to live in a nursing home.” Her difficult healthcare experiences forged a passion for educating others on autism with the hope of giving insight into the inner world of autism. Using personal and professional experiences Kim educates on many facets of autism across the lifespan including eating disorders, trauma, mental health, relationships, self-awareness, classroom inclusion, community integration, and problem-solving through challenging behaviors.

…and Continue the Discussion

Do you have a book or podcast club? If so, you may use this discussion guide to facilitate a conversation about this episode.

1) How did Kim come to understand and embrace her autism? Are you aware of or do you know a situation in which an autistic person understood being on the spectrum even though they were initially diagnosed with another condition?  What did Kim learn about herself and her reactions that led her to push back against misdiagnoses and recommendations that were not helpful?

2) Kim talks about the relationship between her eating disorder and her autism, specifically that her eating disorder might have been a maladaptive strategy to help her cope. How did she develop this awareness, and what steps has she taken to address her eating disorder when seen in this light. Do you know of a person who has developed maladaptive strategies to deal with challenges associated with autism that might initially have been helpful, but no longer serves that purpose?

3) Despite her challenges with the healthcare system, and her conditions, Kim maintains a positive outlook, and has channeled her experiences into a passion for helping others. What struck you about how she has done this, and what are the takeaways for you in understanding and supporting people on the autism spectrum.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Music

Matt Savage, courtesy of Savage Records

Matt Savage is an autistic jazz musician, composer, and bandleader. Matt has collaborated with jazz greats like Chick Corea, the Ellington All Stars, Chaka Khan, Wynton Marsalis, Bobby Watson, Clark Terry, Jimmy Heath, Jason Moran, Arturo O’Farrill, John Pizzarelli, Joshua Redman, Terri Lyne Carrington, Jon Faddis, Jerry Bergonzi. Donny McCaslin, and more. He has recorded more than a dozen records and graciously contributes the music for Uniquely Human.

Production and Sound Design

ELEVATEDSTUDIO

Uniquely Human: The Podcast is produced, engineered, and edited by Elevated Studio in Denver, Colorado. Owned and operated by co-host Dave Finch, Elevated Studio produces digital media assets and content strategies for the electronics, entertainment, and lifestyle industries.